Rowing is commonly perceived by outsiders as a sport for 'crazy people' who have a fetish for insane training regimes, ungodly hours of the morning, and strange lycra clothing. Whilst there are definitely rowers that fit that mould, it is also an extremely rewarding sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels. A whole spectrum of rowers are out there, ranging from the middle-aged novice rower up to the Olympic squad member in the prime form of their life, and everyone in-between on the way back down to the school rower learning the ropes and training for their first time, with dreams of one day representing their country in the sport. Like most sports with an elite level of competition, there is also a large grassroots level of participation and competition, and this is where the majority of rowers fit in somewhere.
Your level of competitiveness will be dependent on your height, natural talent, experience, coach, fitness, commitment to training, and many other factors. Regardless of what their level is however, rowers are generally able to find other athletes of similar ability levels to go for a row with - whether it be intensive training, or a relaxed, social, cruisy row. Rowing sparks a feeling of comradeship between crewmates that train together frequently, for it is a sport that is dependent on each and every member of the boat doing their part. In a sense, it is the ultimate team sport.
I have created a timeline to show the development of rowing throughout the years from the initial primitive beginnings - have a look, and suggest any significant events you feel should be added to it! (Unfortunately due to the pricing structure of Tiki-Toki, it cannot be collaboratively edited without opting for a paid service, nor can it be embedded on this site, so follow the link, then post your suggestions back here!).
UWA Boat Club rowers Garth and Chris, waiting to cross the ferry channel in their double scull during a training session in 2010.(Geoff Abbott, Waiting for the Ferry, April 2010)
An Introduction to the Sport of Rowing
Rowing is commonly perceived by outsiders as a sport for 'crazy people' who have a fetish for insane training regimes, ungodly hours of the morning, and strange lycra clothing. Whilst there are definitely rowers that fit that mould, it is also an extremely rewarding sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels. A whole spectrum of rowers are out there, ranging from the middle-aged novice rower up to the Olympic squad member in the prime form of their life, and everyone in-between on the way back down to the school rower learning the ropes and training for their first time, with dreams of one day representing their country in the sport. Like most sports with an elite level of competition, there is also a large grassroots level of participation and competition, and this is where the majority of rowers fit in somewhere.
Your level of competitiveness will be dependent on your height, natural talent, experience, coach, fitness, commitment to training, and many other factors. Regardless of what their level is however, rowers are generally able to find other athletes of similar ability levels to go for a row with - whether it be intensive training, or a relaxed, social, cruisy row. Rowing sparks a feeling of comradeship between crewmates that train together frequently, for it is a sport that is dependent on each and every member of the boat doing their part. In a sense, it is the ultimate team sport.
I have created a timeline to show the development of rowing throughout the years from the initial primitive beginnings - have a look, and suggest any significant events you feel should be added to it! (Unfortunately due to the pricing structure of Tiki-Toki, it cannot be collaboratively edited without opting for a paid service, nor can it be embedded on this site, so follow the link, then post your suggestions back here!).